Portable Water Quality Monitoring And Treatment System

ABSTRACT

A portable system for on-site monitoring and treatment of water comprising a protective enclosure adapted to be positioned proximate a site of collected water, an internal fluid flow system disposed within the enclosure comprising a first conduit extending from a dirty water inlet on the enclosure to a pair of dirty water outlets and a second conduit extending from a return water inlet on the enclosure to a filtered water outlet and a clean water outlet. Probes are provided in the conduits for monitoring fluid parameters therein and communicating those parameters to a controller within the enclosure. The controller compares the measured parameter levels with predetermined acceptable levels and actuates valve members in said conduits in response to the measured parameter levels to selectively communicate the respective conduits with respective outlets for the treatment of water passing through the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.11/932,728, filed Oct. 31, 2007 entitled “Portable Water QualityMonitoring and Treatment System” which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/257,710, filed Oct. 25, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,431,835, issued Oct. 7, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable system for the continuouson-site and real time unmanned monitoring and treatment of fluids priorto the off-site discharge of the fluid. More particularly, the systemprovides on-site and real time monitoring with data logging capabilityand treatment of pH levels, turbidity and other desired fluid parametersof water collected in retention ponds and other sites, particularlycollected storm water run-off at construction sites and other industriallocations, such as refineries and power plants. Because of the highturbidity generally found in such water, it is frequently necessary thatthe water be treated prior to being discharged on or off-site (i.e.,returned to the ground or emptied into a stream, river or lake). Indeed,the State of Washington has enacted regulations prohibiting the removalof such water from a construction site until it meets certain claritystandards.

The typical methods heretofore in use for monitoring and treating stormwater run-off collected at such sites is a batch process in which:chemicals may be injected into the water to accelerate the settling outof suspended solids; the water is placed in a holding tank where thesuspended solids settle out; samples are taken for testing and the cycleis repeated until acceptable parameters of clarity are obtained. Thewater is then released. This process is slow and costly. The presentinvention allows the monitoring and treatment of the water to beconducted on-site and unmanned in a continuous process, resulting inreduced monitoring and treatment time and labor and substantial economicsavings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention comprises a portable system particularlyadapted for the unmanned continuous on-site and real time monitoringwith data logging and treatment of water capability containing orpotentially containing high levels of suspended solids such as the stormwater run-off from construction and other industrial locations. Thesystem can also be used for the on-site monitoring and treatment ofother fluid parameters such as pH, oxidation-reduction potential anddissolved oxygen levels.

The monitoring and treatment system of the present invention preferablyis at least partially contained in a protective enclosure and comprisesa dirty water inlet on the exterior of the enclosure adapted to becommunicated with a source of dirty water to be monitored and treated. Afirst conduit extends from the dirty water inlet interiorly of theenclosure and directs the water pumped therethrough over a first probethat measures the pH level of the water and over a second probe thatmeasures the turbidity of the water. The probes communicate the measuredpH and turbidity levels to a controller unit that compares the measuredlevels to predetermined acceptable levels. If one or both of themeasured levels fails to meet the predetermined acceptable levels, thecontroller causes a first valve to open, communicating the interiorconduit with a first dirty water outlet through which the water can bedirected from the enclosure back to its source or other location forfurther settling out of the suspended solids and/or treatment. If bothmeasured levels meet the acceptable levels, the controller opens asecond valve, in lieu of the first valve, communicating the conduit witha second water outlet, also located on the enclosure, from which wateris directed from the enclosure to and through an external filter,typically a sand media filter, and back into the enclosed system througha return water inlet.

The filtered water passing through the return water inlet is directedvia a second interior conduit over another pair of probes that alsomeasure the pH and turbidity levels of the filtered water andcommunicate those levels to a second controller. The second controllercompares the measured pH and turbidity levels to a pair of predeterminedacceptable standards. The second controller functions similarly to thefirst controller and effects the opening of a third valve communicatingthe second interior conduit with a filtered water outlet on theenclosure in the event one or both of the measured parameters of thefiltered water fail to meet the predetermined standards. The filteredwater outlet can direct the water therein from the enclosure back to thepond, reservoir or other water source for the further settling out ofthe suspended solids therein prior to reentry to the enclosed monitoringand treatment system, back to the return water inlet for reprocessing orto an alternate exterior location for settling, filtering and/ortreatment. If the pH and turbidity levels in the filtered water meet thepredetermined standards, the second controller opens a fourth valve, inlieu of the third valve, communicating the water therein to a cleanwater outlet for on or off-site discharge.

To expedite the filtering of the suspended solids by the filter, areservoir containing a supply of flocculent and an operatively connectedpump are provided within the protective enclosure for injecting aflocculent into the water within the first interior conduit. Theflocculent coalesces the small particles suspended in the water flowingthrough the conduit, enabling the sand media filter to trap the largercoalesced particles, significantly increasing the efficiency of thefilter in reducing the turbidity of the water flowing through thesystem. While the pH of the water flowing through the system iscontinuously monitored by the first and third probes, pH control isoften conducted at the water source or at another location outside theenclosure. pH monitoring within the enclosed system provides theinformation for pH control and enables the system operator toeffectively utilize the injection of the flocculent which is moreeffective within a limited pH range. A fluid flow monitoring device isprovided in the first interior conduit for measuring the volumetric flowtherethrough to enable the operator to determine the amount offlocculent to be injected. A bulkhead fitting is preferably provided onthe protective enclosure that is in fluid communication with a secondinterior pump for use in selectively directing flocculent in thereservoir to one or more alternate exterior locations, such as the dirtywater inlet on the enclosure or one or more exterior weir tanks toeffect pre-treating of the fluid flow prior to directing the flowthrough the first interior conduit or additional treating of the fluidflow after passing through one or both of the interior conduits.

In many applications of the present invention, particularly thoseinvolving turbid water including larger particle sizes, one or more weirtanks or other filtering elements are employed in the system foreffecting the settling of suspended solids from the water prior toand/or after the water is pumped through the first interior conduit.Reducing the turbidity of the water prior to directing the water throughthe filter reduces filter plugging and the frequency of having to cleanthe filters by back washing.

The portable water quality monitoring and treatment system of thepresent invention can also be employed in the treatment of other fluidparameters such as the pH level of the water, the oxidation-reductionpotential level and dissolved oxygen levels. In such cases, the watermay be of sufficient clarity for off-site disposal but is outsideanother desired parameter. In such applications, the reservoir andassociated pump or pumps would be employed to inject a suitablecorrective additive such as acid or caustic material to lower or raisethe pH of the water passing through the system in response to theinformation communicated to the controllers by the first and thirdprobes.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide aportable and inexpensive on-site system for real time monitoring andtreating the turbidity of storm run-off water collected fromconstruction sites and other industrial locations such as refineries andchemical plants.

This and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome readily apparent from the detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of the water monitoring andtreatment system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 so as toprovide an unobstructed top plan view of the components of the system ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 so as toprovide an unobstructed side view of the components of the system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid flow conduits ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the additive reservoir andassociated injection pumps, calibration apparatus and fluid flow linesof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front plan view of the controllers, alarms,thermostat and main disconnect employed in the system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a modified form of the present inventionin a field application.

FIGS. 8A-8F are schematic representations of an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention in which FIG. 8A is a top plan view of theenclosed system with the top of the enclosure removed to illustrate thefluid flow path to the sand media filter; FIG. 8B is a side view thereofand FIG. 8C is an end view thereof. FIG. 8D is another top plan view ofthe system with the top of the enclosure removed to illustrate the fluidflow through and from the sand media filter to discharge. FIG. 8E is aside view of the system illustrating the fluid flow through and from thesand media filter to discharge and FIG. 8F is a sectional end view takenalong the line 8F-8F in FIG. 8E.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the portable water monitoringand treatment system 10 of the present invention is preferably at leastpartially housed within a weatherproof protective enclosure 12 andtransported to a construction or other site adjacent a contained supplyof water to be monitored and treated. The protective enclosure ispreferably of a sturdy construction with large end opening doors 11′ anda personnel door 11″, all securable. The system 10 is placed in fluidcommunication with the water supply (not shown) via an external fluidflow line 14 that communicates the source of dirty (turbid) water withthe system 10 through a dirty water inlet 16 disposed adjacent anexterior side 12′ of the protective enclosure.

The water is pumped by means of a pump (not shown) typically locatedproximate the water supply to and through the dirty water inlet 16 intoa first conduit 18 disposed within the protective enclosure 12 (see,e.g., FIG. 3). Conduit 18 is generally sized to accommodate flow ratesfrom about 200 gallons per minute (gpm) up to about 750 gpm, pressuresof about 20-80 psi and flow velocities of up to about 8.5 ft/sec. Highervelocity flow will increase the chance of water hammer and reduce thesettling of the suspended solids from the water flowing through thesystem. Conduit 18 extending from inlet 16 directs the water flowingtherethrough over a first probe 20 that measures the pH level of thewater and communicates that information to a first controller 22 viaelectrical cable (not shown). After passing probe 20, the water inconduit 18 is directed over a second probe 23 that measures theturbidity of the water and transmits the turbidity level to the samecontroller 22 via another electrical cable (not shown).

Controller 22 compares the pH and turbidity levels of the incoming watermeasured by probes 20 and 23 to predetermined acceptable level pH andturbidity levels previously programmed into the controller 22. Thetypical acceptable pH level for the water flowing through the firstconduit 18 is within the range of about 6.5-8.5 and the preferredacceptable turbidity level for the water flowing through conduit 18 isless than 600 NTU. If one or both of the measured parameters fails tomeet the predetermined acceptable pH and turbidity levels, thecontroller 22 opens a first valve 24 and closes a second valve 25,communicating internal conduit 18, via bifurcated conduit section 18 a,with a first dirty water outlet 26 on the side 12″ of enclosure 12. Inthe embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the water andsuspended solids passing through outlet 26 are then directed back to thesource via a fluid flow conduit 27. In alternate embodiments, the out ofcompliance fluid can be directed to a weir tank or other storage orfiltering unit for additional removal of the suspended solids and/ortreatment or it can be directed back to the dirty water inlet 16 onenclosure 12. For reasons to be explained, a flow meter 28 is disposedin conduit 18 upstream of valves 24 and 25 for monitoring the volumetricfluid flow therethrough. If both the measured pH and turbidity levelsmeet the predetermined acceptable levels, the controller 22 opens thesecond valve 25 and closes valve 24. The water within the internalconduit 18 is then directed via conduit section 18 b to a second dirtywater outlet 30, also preferably located on enclosure side 12″. Waterpassing through outlet 30 is directed via an external conduit 32 to andthrough a filter 34, typically a sand media filter, and back to a returnwater inlet 36.

The sand media filter 34 is of a conventional type, generally comprisedof 1-4 pods of layered sand and rock. As the water flows through theserially connected pods and through the sand and rock, the dirt andother suspended solids therein are trapped and removed from the flowingwater. As the suspended solids in the water flowing through the conduitare generally quite small, a flocculent such as that marketed by NaturalSite Solutions of Redmond, Wash. under the trademark Storm-KlearGel-Floc, is injected into the water flow at 38 to coalesce thesuspended particles into larger particles that can be effectivelytrapped by the sand media filter 34 and removed from the water flowingthrough the system 10. Conduit 32 preferably extends at least 80 feetfrom the water outlet 30 to the sand media filter 34 to facilitatereaction of the flocculent.

To inject the flocculent into the water flowing through conduit 18, acontainment tank or reservoir 40 and an adjustable injection pump 42 areprovided within enclosure 12. The tank 40 has a capacity of about275-400 gallons to hold a large supply of flocculent to be delivered tothe injection site 38 in conduit 18 by pump 42 via conduits 43 and 44. Acalibration cylinder 46 is provided for measuring the amount offlocculent being injected and using pump 42, to adjust that amount. Asseen in FIG. 5, conduit 43 extends from the lower end of tank 40 andcommunicates with pump 42 via T-section 43′ and conduit section 43 a.Conduit section 43 a communicates with conduit 44 through pump 42.Conduit section 43 b extends from T-section 43′ to a second adjustableinjection pump 52. Calibration cylinder 46 communicates with conduitsection 43 b. A tank outlet valve (not shown), is provided in line 43adjacent to or proximate the lower end of tank 40 to selectively isolatetank 40 from conduit 43. Manually actuated isolation valves 48, 49 and50 are provided in conduits 43, 43 a and 43 b. In use, the flocculent isdrawn by pump 42 from tank 40 to and through conduit 43, T-section 43′,conduit section 43 a, pump 42 and conduit 44 to injection point 38.Isolation valve 48 is open and valve 49 is closed. Isolation valve 50can be open or closed. Opening valve 49 and closing valve 50 will causeflocculent to flow from tank 40 into cylinder 46 to a desired elevationwithin the cylinder. Immediately closing valve 49 will maintain thedesired measured amount of flocculent with the calibration cylinder.Upon closing the tank outlet valve (not shown and opening isolationvalve 49, the pump 42 will draw the flocculent within cylinder 46downwardly and back through conduit section 43 b, T-section 43′ andconduit section 43 a and into and out of conduit 44. By monitoring theperiod of time within which a measured amount of flocculent is drawnfrom the calibration 46 and the fluid flow rate through the system usingflow meter 28, the volumetric flow rate of the flocculent from tank 40into conduit 18 can be determined. By adjusting the pump 42, a desiredvolumetric flow rate is readily determined. Preferably, conventionalstraightening vanes (not shown) are provided proximate the upstream endof flow meter 28 to reduce the turbulence in conduit 18 and provide amore accurate reading of the volumetric flow therethrough.

A second injection pump 52 is provided in enclosure 12 for directing theflocculent from tank 40 via conduit 54 to a bulkhead 56 on side wall 12″of the enclosure. Pump 52, conduits 43 b and 54 and bulkhead 56 enableflocculent to be pumped from tank 40 exteriorly of the enclosure 12 andeither back into the dirty water inlet for pre-treating of the dirtywater or to one or more weir tanks for either pre and/or post treatmentapplications involving excessively turbid water (see, e.g., FIG. 7). Ascan be seen in FIG. 5, by closing isolation valve 48 and opening valves49 and 50 pump 52 will draw flocculent from tank 40 through conduit 43,T-section 43′ and conduit section 43 b, pump 52 and into conduit 54which communicates with the bulkhead 56. By manipulation of the tankvalve (not shown) and isolation valves, 48, 49 and 50 in a similarmanner to that described above, the amount of flocculent flowing throughconduit 54 can be measured, using cylinder 46 and adjusted by pump 52.

Upon entering the return water inlet 36 on the enclosure, the filteredwater is directed via a second internal conduit 60 through third andfourth probes 62 and 64. Conduit 60 preferably is sized and configuredthe same as the first internal conduit 18 to maintain a fluid flowvelocity of no greater than 8.5 feet per second. Third probe 62comprises a second pH measuring device identical to probe 20 and thefourth probe 64 comprises a second turbidity measuring device identicalto probe 23. Probes 62 and 64 each communicate the measured pH andturbidity levels respectively with a second controller 66 (shownadjacent controller 22 in FIG. 4) via electrical cables (not shown). Thesecond controller 66 is identical to controller 22 and selectively opensthird valve 68 or fourth valve 70 depending on whether or not both themeasured levels of pH and turbidity in the filtered water meet thepredetermined valves stored in the controller 66. Depending on theparameters of the water being monitored and treated the predeterminedacceptable standards are equal to or more stringent than thepredetermined acceptable levels for the water passing through the firstconduit. The preferred acceptable standard for pH in the second conduit,which is programmed into controller 66, is within the range of 6.5-8.5which is the same as the acceptable pH level in conduit 18. Thepreferred acceptable standard for turbidity in conduit 60 is 100 NTU orless, which is more stringent than the acceptable level in the waterflowing through the first conduit 18.

If either the pH or the turbidity level in the filtered water within thesecond internal conduit 60 fails to meet the predetermined standards,controller 66 effects the opening of valve 68 and closing of valve 70,communicating conduit 60, via conduit section 60 a, with a firstfiltered water outlet 72 on enclosure wall 12″. From outlet 72, thewater can be directed via conduit 73 back to the pond, reservoir orother water source for the further settling out of the suspended solidstherein and/or treatment, and then back to the return water inlet 30 forreprocessing or to an alternate location for further treatment prior toreentry into the enclosed portion of the monitoring and treatment system10. If, however, the measured pH and turbidity levels in the filteredwater both meet the predetermined standards programmed into controller66, the controller opens the fourth valve 70 and closes valve 68,communicating the water passing therethrough to a clean water outlet 74on enclosure wall 12″ from where the treated water can be directed by asuitable conduit to an on or off-site location via conduit 75.

As described above, the pH and turbidity monitoring configuration of thepresent invention is designed to monitor and log both parameters on theinfluent and effluent sides. The monitoring and logging of data arereal-time via the probes 20, 23, 62 and 64 and controllers 22 and 66. Inaddition, visual and audio alarms preferably are provided to indicate anout of compliance condition. In the preferred embodiment of theinvention, a system status panel 76 is provided within the enclosure 12comprised of an on-off switch, a test button and four lights (see FIGS.4 and 6) that indicate whether all systems are in compliance or whetherone of the two monitored parameters (e.g. pH and turbidity) in eitherthe influent or effluent is out of compliance. To provide suchinformation, two lights may be dedicated to each controller 22 or 66 andin each pair of lights, one light is dedicated to one of the two probesoperatively connected to that controller. If one or more of the lightsare out, the fluid parameter associated with that light is out ofcompliance. In addition, an audio and/or visual alarm can be provided onthe exterior of the enclosure to indicate an out of compliancecondition.

By way of example, the controllers 22 and 66 employed in the preferredembodiment of the water monitoring and treatment system 10 are bothuniversal controllers marketed by Hach Company of Loveland, Colo. underthe model designation LXV401.52.00002. These controllers provide thesystem with data logging capability in that they are provided with amemory that can be set to retain the reading obtained from the probes atdesired intervals to provide a record of the readings that can beaccessed by a PDA device. While one controller is employed in the abovedescribed system for each pair of probes and valves in each of conduits18 and 60, a single controller could be employed for communicating withall of the probes and the fluid flow control valves 24, 25, 68 and 70.Accordingly, the term controller assembly is used in many of the claimsto describe and include both a single controller communicating with allof the probes and valves and a plurality of individual controllers suchas the pair of controllers described and discussed above. Similarly,each pair of valves in a given conduit (e.g. valves 24 and 25) might bereplaced with a single diverter or directional control valve.Accordingly, the term control valve assembly is used in many of theclaims to describe and include both a single diverter or directionalcontrol valve for a given conduit and a pair of individual controlvalves as described and discussed above.

The probes which measure the pH and turbidity levels in the waterflowing through conduits 18 and 60 and transmit that information tocontrollers 22 and 66 are preferably of a type that enable the sensorsthemselves to be withdrawn, cleaned and replaced without having to shutdown the system. Hach PHD SC Digital Differential pH Sensors, ModelDPD2P1 and Hach Insertion Mounting Kits, Model 61368-00 have beensuccessfully employed for the measuring of the pH level in system 10 andtransmitting of that information to one of the controllers. Hach SolitaxSC Turbidity and Suspended Solids Sensors, Models LXV424.99.00100 andHach Insertion Mounting Kits, Model 57384-00 have been successfullyemployed for measuring the turbidity level in the water flowing throughconduits 18 and 60 and transmitting those measurements to theirrespective controllers 22 and 66. The valves 24, 25, 68 and 70 activatedby controllers 22 and 66 in the system 10 are solenoid operated NelsonSeries 800 control valves marketed by Nelson Irrigation Corporation ofWalla Walla, Wa. under the model designation A6B5C2D1E41H2. Theinjection pumps 42 and 52 for pumping the flocculent from tank 40 tosite 38 or bulkhead 56 are LMI Chemical Metering Pumps, Model C771-25HDmarketed by Liquid Metronics Inc. of Acton, Ma.

It is to be understood that the particular components of system 10identified above are examples only and other components could beemployed. In addition, the flocculent containment tank 40 could be usedto inject other additives to site 38 and bulkhead 56. For example, asuitable acid, soda ash or other pH altering substance could be injectedby pump 42 from tank 40 into conduit 18 in lieu of a flocculent forapplications in which the water to be treated is of acceptable claritybut is outside a desired pH range. As noted above, the tank andassociated pumps, valves and lines could also be used with differentprobes to introduce and monitor other chemicals into the fluid passingthrough system 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modified embodiment of the present inventionparticularly adapted for use in monitoring and treatment of turbid waterincluding larger particle sizes. The system 100 illustrated in FIG. 7incorporates the enclosed portion of system 10 and additionally includesa pair of external weir tanks 102 and 104. Additionally, FIG. 7illustrates a representative source 106 of dirty water, not illustratedin FIGS. 1-6, as well as a pair of external pumps 108 and 110 fordirecting the water flow to and through system 100 and ultimately to theclean water collection area 111 from where the water can be directed toan on or off site location.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, dirty water ispumped from source 106 by means of pump 108 and a floating suctiondevice 109 either directly to the dirty water inlet 16 in enclosure 12,as in the prior embodiment, or through one or both weir tanks 102 and104 prior to entering conduit 18 through inlet 16. Suitable valving (notshown) is provided to enable the operator to direct the water eitherdirectly to inlet 16 or through one or both of the weir tanks prior toentering inlet 16. In the weir tanks, the water flow is passed over andabout a series of baffles to effect the settling out of the suspendedsolids in the water flowing through the system. As in the priorembodiment, the injection pump 52 in enclosure 12 can be employed toeject flocculent into the water flow passing through one or both weirtanks either prior to or after passing through the interior conduit 18.It is to be understood that FIG. 7 illustrates just one alternativeembodiment of the portable water monitoring and treatment system of thepresent invention. Numerous different external settling and filteringapparatus and associated piping and pumps could be employed with theinternal portion of the system housed within enclosure 12. It is also tobe understood that the system could be employed without the use of aweatherproof housing, but that such a housing is preferred for theprotection of the instrumentation employed therein.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, with the exception of thefluid flow lines leading to and from the protective enclosure 212, theentire fluid monitoring and treatment system is disposed within theprotective enclosure 212 which is approximately forty-five feet inlength. Such a system is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F. For clarity and dueto the similarity of the contained system 200 with the system 10 of thefirst embodiment, not all of the components of the system are includedin the individual drawings. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate only the fluid flowthrough the system 200 to the sand media filter 234. FIGS. 8D-8Eillustrate the flow through and from the sand media filter to discharge.In addition, certain elements common to both systems 10 and 200 (e.g.controllers, probes, flocculent feed lines, etc.) are either omittedfrom FIGS. 8A-8F or are identified by location only.

In the fully contained system 200, water is drawn into the first conduit218 through a dirty water inlet 216 by an internally positioned pump 208and is monitored by pH and turbidity probes at 220 and 223. If the waterfails to meet the predetermined acceptable levels of pH and turbidityprogrammed into a controller (not shown), that water, as in the firstembodiment, is directed via the controller and an associated valvethrough a water outlet 226 and back to the water source via an externalfluid flow conduit. If the water flowing through conduit 218 meets thepredetermined desired pH and turbidity levels, the controller 222 closesthe aforesaid valve and opens a second valve and the water is directedto conduit 232. The controller and valves are of the same type andfunction in the same way as controller 22 and valves 24 and 25 in system10 of the prior embodiment.

Conduit 232 serves the same function as conduit 32 in system 10, but isentirely disposed within the larger enclosure 212. Conduit 232preferably is routed upwardly and back and forth about the ceiling ofthe enclosure 212 as seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, so as not to obstruct theinterior of the enclosure or block access to the components of thesystem within the enclosure. Conduit 232 directs the water flowingtherethrough to and downwardly through a sand media filter 234 as seenin FIG. 8E and into a second conduit 260 that corresponds to theinternal conduit 60 of the prior embodiment. As in the prior embodiment,conduit 232 preferably defines a length of 80 feet prior to reachingfilter 234. Thus, the protective enclosure 212 in system 200 isnecessarily substantially larger than the enclosure 12 of the priorembodiment. In the embodiment of system 200 illustrated in the drawingsthe sand media filter is comprised of four connected pods 234′. Thefiltered water flowing through conduit 260 is then monitored by a secondpair of pH and turbidity probes at 262 and 264 that are associated witha second controller (not shown). Again, this second controller andassociated probes 262 and 264 are preferably identical to and functionthe same as controller 66 and probes 62 and 64 in system 10.

If the water flowing through conduit 260 is determined by the operativecontroller to meet both the predetermined turbidity and pH standardsprogrammed into the controller, a control valve 268 is closed and valve270 is opened, communicating the conduit 260 with a clean water outlet274 from which the water can be directed via a suitable conduit to an onor off-site location. If either of the measured turbidity or pH levelsfails to meet the predetermined standard, the controller opens valve 268and closes valve 270, communicating conduit 260 with a third wateroutlet 272 from which the water is again directed back to the source. Areservoir 240 containing a supply of a water treatment material (e.g.flocculent) and associated injection pumps 242 and 252, flow meter 228,a calibration cylinder (not shown) and associated valves and lines (notshown) are also provided in the enclosure 212 for the treatment of thewater flowing therethrough as in the prior embodiments. In addition, astatic mixer 231 is provided in line 232 (see FIGS. 8A and 8D) toenhance the mixing of the flocculent in the water. Thus, system 200provides a totally enclosed monitoring and treatment system. Indeed,even the pump 208 by which the water is pulled from its source to thewater inlet 216 on the enclosure 212 is preferably located within theenclosure 212.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.9. The system 300 illustrated therein is employed solely for the on-sitemonitoring of the water. As such, there is no need for the secondinternal conduit of the prior embodiments, nor the associated valves andcontroller; nor is there any need for a reservoir and associated pumpsfor injecting a water treatment material into the conduit. Accordingly,system 300 can be provided in a much smaller enclosure 312 that is inthe nature of a protective box.

System 300 comprises a water inlet 316 and a water outlet 317 mounted inthe side of the protective enclosure 312 and an internal conduit 318disposed within the enclosure that extends between inlet 316 and outlet317. A pair of probes 320 and 323 are disposed within conduit 318 formeasuring selected parameters of the water flowing therethrough (e.g. pHand turbidity). Exteriorly of the enclosure is a main flow line 305defining a main water inlet 327 and a pair of main water outlets 329 and331. As seen in FIG. 9, the main flow line 305 is bifurcated at 305′ todefine the two main water outlets. Valves 324 and 325 are provided inthe main conduit 305 proximate water outlets 329 and 331. Again, asingle diverter or direction control valve might be employed in lieu ofvalves 324 and 325.

Main line 305 communicates with the water inlet 316 on enclosure 312 viaconnector line 333 and ball valve 335 and with the water outlet 317 viaconnector line 337 and ball valve 339. A manually actuated restrictorvalve 341 is provided in main line 305 between connector lines 333 and337 for creating a pressure differential between the upstream anddownstream sides of valve 341 to effect water flow through connectorline 333, internal conduit 318 and connector line 337 as water continuesto flow through the main line 305. Ball valves 335 and 339 are providedin lines 333 and 337 respectively so as to seal off the internal conduit318. Pressure gauges 343 and 345 can be provided in lines 333 and 337 asillustrated in FIG. 9.

In use, water is pumped from a source through the water inlet 327 in themain line 305, through the line and out water outlet 329. By rotatingthe wheel 341′ on restrictor valve 341, the valve partially occludes theline, restricting the water flow therethrough creating a pressure dropacross the valve and causing water to flow through the connector lines333 and 337 and the internal conduit 318 (ball vales 335 and 339 beingopen). The volume of flow through internal conduit 318 can be regulatedby means of valve wheel 341′.

The selected parameters (e.g. pH and turbidity) of the water flowingthrough the internal conduit 318 are monitored by probes 320 and 323 andtransmitted to a controller 322 within the enclosure 312. If bothmeasured parameters are within the predetermined parameter levelspreviously programmed into controller 322, the controller opens valve325 and closes valve 324 thereby communicating the water inlet 316 fromthe main line with main line outlet 331 so as to direct the water to anon or off-site location for collection and/or disposal. If either of themeasured parameters fail to meet the predetermine levels, the controller322 will open valve 324 and close valve 325 directing the water flowthrough the main line through outlet 329, directing the water flow backto the source. Probes 320 and 323, control valves 324 and 325 andcontroller 322 are preferably all of the same type and function andcooperate in the same manner as probes 20 and 23, valves 24 and 25 andcontroller 22 of the first embodiment.

A fluid flow sensor 347 is preferably provided in conduit 318 forsensing the presence of water flowing through conduit 318 andcommunicating that information either to a controller assembly or aseparate controller 323 operatively connected to valves 324 and 325 foropening valve 324 and closing valve 325 in the absence of water flowingthrough conduit 318. Thus, unless otherwise directed by an operator,when conduit 318 is dry and the monitoring system 300 is not in use, thesystem may assume a default mode in which the water flowing through themain line will be directed through water outlet 329 and back to thesource.

Various other changes and modifications may be made in carrying out thepresent invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.Insofar as such changes and modifications are within the purview of theappended claims, they are to be considered as part of the presentinvention.

1. A portable system for the continuous on-site monitoring and treatmentof water comprising: a protective enclosure adapted to be positionedproximate a source of collected water, said enclosure containing atleast one water inlet and a plurality of water outlets; an internalfluid flow system disposed within said enclosure and comprising a firstconduit extending from a water inlet to a first of said water outletsand a second conduit extending from a water inlet to a second of saidwater outlets; an external fluid flow system selectively communicatingsaid first conduit with said second conduit; a first probe disposedwithin said first conduit for measuring a first parameter of the waterflowing through said first conduit; a second probe disposed within saidsecond conduit for measuring said first parameter of the water flowingthrough said second conduit; a filter assembly disposed within saidexternal fluid flow system for filtering water flowing therethrough; anda controller assembly disposed within said enclosure and operativelyconnected to said first and second probes for receiving data from saidprobes regarding the measured parameters of the water flowing throughsaid first and second conduits, said controller assembly comparing themeasured parameters with predetermined acceptable levels for waterflowing through said first and second conduits and in response to suchcomparisons, selectively communicating said first conduit with saidfilter assembly in said external fluid flow system and with said secondconduit and said second conduit with one of said water outlets forselective further treatment and disposal.
 2. The portable system ofclaim 1 wherein said filter assembly comprises a sand media filter. 3.The portable system of claim 1 wherein said enclosure includes a secondwater inlet and said second conduit extends from said second waterinlet.
 4. The portable system of claim 1 wherein said system furthercomprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of water treatmentmaterial therein and operatively connected to said first conduit, a pumpmechanism for directing a measured amount of water treatment materialfrom said reservoir into said first conduit and a fluid flow monitoringdevice in said first conduit for measuring the volumetric fluid flowtherethrough whereby the amount of water treatment material to bedelivered from said reservoir into said first conduit can be determined.5. The portable system of claim 4 wherein the parameter measured by saidfirst and second probes is the turbidity level of the water and whereinsaid water treatment material comprises a flocculent material.
 6. Theportable system of claim 1 including a first control valve assembly insaid first conduit selectively communicating said first conduit with thewater source or an alternate location or with said filter assembly insaid external fluid flow system and second fluid conduit and a secondcontrol valve assembly in said second conduit selectively communicatingsaid second conduit with one of said water outlets, said control valveassemblies being operatively connected to said controller assembly foractuation by said controller assembly in response to the aforesaidcomparisons.
 7. The portable system of claim 6 wherein said systemfurther comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of watertreatment material therein and operatively connected to said firstconduit, a pump mechanism for directing a measured amount of watertreatment material from said reservoir into said first conduit and afluid flow monitoring device in said first conduit for measuring thevolumetric fluid flow therethrough whereby the amount of water treatmentmaterial to be delivered from said reservoir into said first conduit canbe determined.
 8. The portable system of claim 7 wherein the parametermeasured by said first and second probes is the turbidity level of thewater and wherein said water treatment material comprises a flocculentmaterial.
 9. The portable system of claim 8 wherein said filter assemblycomprises a sand media filter.
 10. The portable system of claim 1wherein said system additionally includes third and fourth probes formeasuring a second parameter in fluids, said third probe being disposedin said first conduit and said fourth probe being disposed in saidsecond conduit, said third and fourth probes being operatively connectedto said controller assembly, said controller assembly comparing themeasured second parameters with predetermined accessible levels forwater flowing through said first and second conduits and in response tosuch comparisons, selectively communicating said first conduit with saidfilter assembly in said external fluid flow system and with said secondconduit and said second conduit with one of said water outlets forselective further treatment and disposal.
 11. The portable system ofclaim 1 wherein the parameter measured by said first and second probesis the turbidity level of the water and wherein said system additionallyincludes third and fourth probes for measuring the pH levels in fluids,said third probe being disposed in said first conduit and said fourthprobe being disposed in said second conduit, said third and fourthprobes being operatively connected to said controller assembly, saidcontroller assembly comparing the measured pH parameters withpredetermined accessible levels for water flowing through said first andsecond conduits and in response to such comparisons, selectivelycommunicating said first conduit with said filter assembly in saidexternal fluid flow system and with said second conduit and said secondconduit with one of said water outlets for selective further treatmentand disposal.
 12. A portable system for the continuous on-sitemonitoring and treatment of water comprising: a protective enclosureadapted to be positioned proximate a source of collected water, saidenclosure containing at least one water inlet and a plurality of wateroutlets; a fluid flow system at least substantially disposed within saidenclosure and comprising a first conduit extending from a water inlet toa first of said water outlets, a second conduit extending from a waterinlet to a second of said water outlets and a third conduit selectivelycommunicating said first conduit with said second conduit; a first probedisposed within said first conduit for measuring a first parameter ofthe water flowing through said first conduit; a second probe disposedwithin said second conduit for measuring said first parameter of thewater flowing through said second conduit; a filter assembly disposedwithin said third conduit for filtering water flowing therethrough; anda controller assembly disposed within said enclosure and operativelyconnected to said first and second probes for receiving data from saidprobes regarding the measured parameters of the water flowing throughsaid first and second conduits, said controller assembly comparing themeasured parameters with predetermined acceptable levels for waterflowing through said first and second conduits and in response to suchcomparisons, selectively communicating said first conduit with saidthird conduit and with said second conduit and said second conduit withone of said water outlets for selective further treatment and disposal.13. The portable system of claim 12 wherein said filter assemblycomprises a sand media filter.
 14. The portable system of claim 12wherein said system further comprises a reservoir adapted to contain asupply of water treatment material therein and operatively connected tosaid first conduit, a pump mechanism for directing a measured amount ofwater treatment material from said reservoir into said first conduit anda fluid flow monitoring device in said first conduit for measuring thevolumetric fluid flow therethrough whereby the amount of water treatmentmaterial to be delivered from said reservoir into said first conduit canbe determined.
 15. The portable system of claim 14 wherein the parametermeasured by said first and second probes is the turbidity level of thewater and wherein said water treatment material comprises a flocculentmaterial.
 16. The portable system of claim 12 wherein said systemadditionally includes third and fourth probes for measuring a secondparameter in fluids, said third probe being disposed in said firstconduit and said fourth probe being disposed in said second conduit,said third and fourth probes being operatively connected to saidcontroller assembly, said controller assembly comparing the measuredsecond parameters with predetermined accessible levels for water flowingthrough said first and second conduits and in response to suchcomparisons, selectively communicating said first conduit with saidfilter assembly in said external fluid flow system and with said secondconduit and said second conduit with one of said water outlets forselective further treatment and disposal.
 17. The portable system ofclaim 12 wherein the parameter measured by said first and second probesis the turbidity level of the water and wherein said system additionallyincludes third and fourth probes for measuring the pH levels in fluids,said third probe being disposed in said first conduit and said fourthprobe being disposed in said second conduit, said third and fourthprobes being operatively connected to said controller assembly, saidcontroller assembly comparing the measured pH parameters withpredetermined accessible levels for water flowing through said first andsecond conduits and in response to such comparisons, selectivelycommunicating said first conduit with said filter assembly in saidexternal fluid flow system and with said second conduit and said secondconduit with one of said water outlets for selective further treatmentand disposal.
 18. A portable system for the continuous on-sitemonitoring and treatment of water comprising: a protective enclosureadapted to be positioned proximate a source of collected water; a fluidflow pathway at least partially disposed within said enclosure; a firstprobe disposed within a first portion of said pathway for measuring aparameter of the water flowing thereby; a second probe disposed within asecond portion of said pathway for measuring said parameter of filteredwater flowing thereby; a filter assembly disposed in said pathwaybetween said first and second probes for filtering water flowingtherethrough; and a controller assembly operatively connected to saidprobes for receiving data from said probes regarding the measuredparameters of water flowing thereby, comparing the measured parameterswith predetermined levels of said parameter for water flowing throughsaid first and second portions of said fluid flow pathway and inresponse to such comparisons, selectively communicating said firstportion of said pathway with the water source or an alternate locationin the event that the parameter measured by said first probe fails tomeet the predetermined level for said parameter in said first portion ofsaid pathway, or with said filter assembly and said second portion ofsaid pathway in the event that the parameter measured by said firstprobe meets the predetermined level for said parameter in said firstportion of said pathway, said controller assembly additionally comparingthe measured parameter of filtered water flowing through said secondportion of said pathway with a predetermined approved standard for saidparameter in said second portion of said pathway and communicating saidsecond portion of said pathway with the water source or an alternatelocation in the event the measured parameter of the filtered waterflowing in said second portion of said pathway fails to meet thepredetermined level standard for said parameter, or with a clean watercollection or a distribution site in the event the measured parameter ofthe filtered water flowing through said second portion of said pathwaymeets the predetermined approved standard for said parameter.
 19. Theportable system of claim 18 wherein said filter assembly comprises asand media filter.
 20. The portable system of claim 18 wherein saidfirst and second probes are disposed within said enclosure.
 21. Theportable system of claim 18 wherein said first and second portions ofsaid fluid flow pathway are disposed within said enclosure.
 22. Theportable system of claim 18 wherein said system further comprises areservoir adapted to contain a supply of water treatment materialtherein and operatively connected to said first portion of said fluidflow pathway between said first probe and said filter assembly, a pumpmechanism for directing a measured amount of water treatment materialfrom said reservoir into said first portion of said fluid flow pathwayand a fluid flow monitoring device in said first portion of said fluidflow pathway for measuring the volumetric fluid flow therethroughwhereby the amount of water treatment material to be delivered from saidreservoir into said first portion of said fluid flow pathway can bedetermined.
 23. The portable system of claim 22 wherein the parametermeasured by said first and second probes is the turbidity level of thewater and wherein said water treatment material comprises a flocculentmaterial.
 24. The portable system of claim 22 wherein said first andsecond portions of said fluid flow pathway are disposed within saidenclosure.
 25. The portable system of claim 18 including a first controlvalve assembly in said fluid flow pathway selectively communicating saidfirst portion of said fluid flow pathway with the water source or analternate location or with said filter assembly and said second portionof said fluid flow pathway and a second control valve assembly in saidsecond portion of said fluid flow pathway selectively communicating saidsecond portion of said fluid flow pathway with the water source or analternate location or with a clean water collection or distributionsite, said control valve assemblies being operatively connected to saidcontroller assembly for actuation by said controller assembly inresponse to the aforesaid comparisons of the measured parametersreceived from said first and second probes with the predeterminedacceptable levels.
 26. The portable system of claim 25 wherein saidfilter assembly comprises a sand media filter.
 27. The portable systemof claim 25 wherein said system further comprises a reservoir adapted tocontain a supply of water treatment material therein and operativelyconnected to said first portion of said fluid flow pathway between saidfirst probe and said filter assembly, a pump mechanism for directing ameasured amount of water treatment material from said reservoir intosaid first portion of said fluid flow pathway and a fluid flowmonitoring device in said first portion of said fluid flow pathway formeasuring the volumetric fluid flow therethrough whereby the amount ofwater treatment material to be delivered from said reservoir into saidfirst portion of said fluid flow pathway can be determined.
 28. Theportable system of claim 27 wherein the parameter measured by said firstand second probes is the turbidity level of the water and wherein saidwater treatment material comprises a flocculent material.
 29. Theportable system of claim 18 wherein said system additionally includesthird and fourth probes for measuring a second parameter in fluids, saidthird probe being disposed in said first portion of said fluid flowpathway and said fourth probe being disposed in said second portion ofsaid fluid flow pathway, said third and fourth probes being operativelyconnected to said controller assembly, said controller assemblycomparing the measured second parameter with predetermined accessiblelevels for water flowing through said first and second portions of saidpathway and in response to such comparisons, selectively communicatingsaid first portion of said pathway with said filter assembly and withsaid second portion of said fluid flow pathway and said second portionof said pathway with said water source or alternate location or withsaid clean water collection or distribution site.
 30. The portablesystem of claim 23 wherein said system additionally includes third andfourth probes for measuring the pH levels in fluids, said third probebeing disposed in said first portion of said fluid flow pathway and saidfourth probe being disposed in said second portion of said fluid flowpathway, said third and fourth probes being operatively connected tosaid controller assembly such that said controller assembly receivesfrom said third and fourth probes the measured pH levels of waterflowing through said first and second portions of said fluid flowpathway, said controller assembly comparing the pH level measured bysaid third probe with a predetermined acceptable pH range andcommunicating said first portion of said fluid flow pathway with thewater source or an alternate location in the event that the pH levelmeasured by said third probe is outside said predetermined acceptablerange or with said filter assembly and said second portion of said fluidflow pathway in the event the pH level measured by said third probe iswithin said range and the turbidity level measured by said first probemeets or exceeds said predetermined level, said controller assemblyadditionally comparing the measured pH level of the filtered waterflowing through said second portion of said fluid flow pathway with apredetermined approved acceptable range and communicating said secondportion of said fluid flow pathway with the water source or an alternatelocation in the event the pH level measured by the fourth probe isoutside said predetermined acceptable range or with a clean watercollection or distribution site in the event the pH level measured bythe fourth probe is within the predetermined acceptable range and theturbidity level measured by said second probe meets or exceeds saidpredetermined approved standard.
 31. A portable system for thecontinuous on-site monitoring and treatment of water comprising: a fluidflow pathway; a first probe disposed within a first portion of saidpathway for measuring a parameter of the water flowing thereby; a secondprobe disposed within a second portion of said pathway for measuringsaid parameter of filtered water flowing thereby; a filter assemblydisposed in said pathway between said first and second probes forfiltering water flowing therethrough; and a controller assemblyoperatively connected to said probes for receiving data from said probesregarding the measured parameters of water flowing thereby, comparingthe measured parameters with predetermined levels of said parameter forwater flowing through said first and second portions of said fluid flowpathway and in response to such comparisons, selectively communicatingsaid first portion of said pathway with the water source or an alternatelocation in the event that the parameter measured by said first probefails to meet the predetermined level for said parameter in said firstportion of said pathway, or with said filter assembly and said secondportion of said pathway in the event that the parameter measured by saidfirst probe meets the predetermined level for said parameter in saidfirst portion of said pathway, said controller assembly additionallycomparing the measured parameter of filtered water flowing through saidsecond portion of said pathway with a predetermined approved standardfor said parameter in said second portion of said pathway andcommunicating said second portion of said pathway with the water sourceor an alternate location in the event the measured parameter of thefiltered water flowing in said second portion of said pathway fails tomeet the predetermined level standard for said parameter, or with aclean water collection or a distribution site in the event the measuredparameter of the filtered water flowing through said second portion ofsaid pathway meets the predetermined approved standard for saidparameter.
 32. The portable system of claim 31 wherein said filterassembly comprises a sand media filter.
 33. The portable system of claim31 wherein said system further comprises a reservoir adapted to containa supply of water treatment material therein and operatively connectedto said first portion of said fluid flow pathway between said firstprobe and said filter assembly, a pump mechanism for directing ameasured amount of water treatment material from said reservoir intosaid first portion of said fluid flow pathway and a fluid flowmonitoring device in said first portion of said fluid flow pathway formeasuring the volumetric fluid flow therethrough whereby the amount ofwater treatment material to be delivered from said reservoir into saidfirst portion of said fluid flow pathway can be determined.
 34. Theportable system of claim 31 wherein the parameter measured by said firstand second probes is the turbidity level of the water and wherein saidwater treatment material comprises a flocculent material.